Would you test for strep? I'm generally an avoid the doctor type of mom but...

[kokoro]

DS got a sudden high fever yesterday. I didn't take the temp, though, so don't know the # but I"m sure it was high. He has a bad stomach ache and head ache but has NOT mentioned his throat at all. Last night his fever went *really* high. Again, I didn't take the temp but his whole body was super hot. I gave him Tylenol. He threw up this morning and still has the headache and stomach ache. He now has a very mild fever but he did have Tylenol in the middle of the night.

School nurse said to get him tested for strep. It is going around and some others in his class and other kindergarten classes have had it. I always feel like when he is best off staying away from the ped's office when he is sick so he doesn't pick up something else and so he can rest and get better faster. I think he has had strep at least once in the past, maybe twice, when I didn't take him in and he got better on his own thankfully.

With the symptoms I mentioned and knowing strep is going around his school would you test?

Thanks!

[kellydog]

Knowing that it is going around the school, I would take him to the doctor. If left untreated, strep can cause some pretty significant complications. It doesn't happen often, but I woulnd't want to take the chance. And I'm not big on taking the kids to the doctor, either. Most things will clear up and I don't feel comfortable using antibiotics any more than absolutely required.

[mudcreekmama]

Testing sure, antibiotics while waiting for the culture to come back, no.

There is a WICKED virus going around right now and it presents differently in different people but the main points are a very high long lasting fever and very swollen lymph glands. Depending on the child/adult it either settles deep in the sinuses, the chest, or the ear. Kids with it in their sinuses and chest often throw up too...its a 2 week bug too - from my doctor's visit last night

[azul99]

and in fact, wouldn't consider *not* treating strep, for the reasons they give here.

[Kerry]

I personally would probably wait it out a couple days, but that's just me.

In the meantime, I would probably give my child raw garlic to kill whatever it is he might have. If it's strep, the garlic would likely take care of it.

[kokoro]

Kerry, how do you get them to eat the garlic? He likes salsa so I could sneak it in that but right now he can't really hold anything down so it will be a while before I can get any into him. My father eats bread that just has had garlic that was cut in half rubbed on it daily and even that seems to help keep him from getting sick. DH has me eat raw garlic when *I'm* sick and does so himself. Chinese often just have a couple cloves with their meals in winter and they taste great with Chinese dumplings IMO. But I can't picture getting D to eat them. lol

[kokoro]

Turned out it wasn't strep. Or at least the rapid test says negative and it is supposed to be 99% accurate.

I would not have taken him except the school nurse urged me to do so since it is going around his class. I'm kind of confused as to when it is a good idea to take a child in to be tested for it. Dr. Sear book 'The Baby Book' really gave me the impression that generally children *don't* need to be seen by the ped when they are sick so I have almost never taken D to the doctor other than for well visits. I have a friend who rushes in at the first sign of anything. We are pretty opposites on this. I'd be interested in hearing anyone's thoughts about this subject.

[Kerry]

I give my kids raw garlic by putting a clove through a garlic press and stuffing the garlic bits into empty gelatin capsules.

[aleutsi]

But I can't picture getting D to eat them. lol

For DD, I peel the clove, mince it with a press and mix it with a spoonful of honey (I also toss in what was left behind in the press). I think I read somewhere that the honey is a natural antibiotic as well - but even still, the flavor helps the garlic go down and the texture coats and sooths the throat.

[Kerry]

Lisa, I've never brought my kids in specifically to test for strep. I'm a
"wait it out and see if it resolves on its own" type of parent. I will usually give most illnesses a good 2-3 days to resolve on their own, unless there are very specific symptoms that point to something serious (such as abdominal tenderness and a fever, which I would want to rule out appendicitis).

The one time Camille was diagnosed with strep, I brought her into the vet because she had been complaining of nausea and occasional vomiting for several days (at her dad's), and she had wet her bed a few times at night that past week. I brought her in, thinking she might have a UTI. Turns out she had strep. Go figure.

[Kerry]

For DD, I peel the clove, mince it with a press and mix it with a spoonful of honey (I also toss in what was left behind in the press). I think I read somewhere that the honey is a natural antibiotic as well - but even still, the flavor helps the garlic go down and the texture coats and sooths the throat.

Maybe I'm not using enough honey, because when I've given it to my kids that way (or taken it that way myself) it was horribly distasteful and really burned going down, as well.

[lunita]

Why did you take Camille to the vet instead of the doctor?

(I shouldn't tease a tired new mom, but that was funny)

[Kerry]

Why did you take Camille to the vet instead of the doctor?

(I shouldn't tease a tired new mom, but that was funny)

LOL! I'm stilling thinking about Trish's anal gland thread, I guess.

[jerzymama]

Lisa, I've never brought my kids in specifically to test for strep. I'm a
"wait it out and see if it resolves on its own" type of parent. I will usually give most illnesses a good 2-3 days to resolve on their own, unless there are very specific symptoms that point to something serious (such as abdominal tenderness and a fever, which I would want to rule out appendicitis).

The one time Camille was diagnosed with strep, I brought her into the vet because she had been complaining of nausea and occasional vomiting for several days (at her dad's), and she had wet her bed a few times at night that past week. I brought her in, thinking she might have a UTI. Turns out she had strep. Go figure.

Mostly because I use the same guidelines for our Golden and DD... I usually wait about 3 days to see if it's getting better or worse. With both the dog and DD, if it doesn't look on the upswing by the end of the 3rd day, we go in.

[aleutsi]

Turned out it wasn't strep. Or at least the rapid test says negative and it is supposed to be 99% accurate.

I would not have taken him except the school nurse urged me to do so since it is going around his class. I'm kind of confused as to when it is a good idea to take a child in to be tested for it. Dr. Sear book 'The Baby Book' really gave me the impression that generally children *don't* need to be seen by the ped when they are sick so I have almost never taken D to the doctor other than for well visits. I have a friend who rushes in at the first sign of anything. We are pretty opposites on this. I'd be interested in hearing anyone's thoughts about this subject.

We don't rush in at the first sign of anything. If strep is going around and my child has been exposed, I'll take them in for a test. If it's positive I treat it at home with garlic and OGR tinctures and if that doesn't work I'll consider filling the Rx (I've not had to do that since I started with garlic & OGR - 9yo has never had Rx antibiotics).

If I haven't heard strep is going around, I just go ahead with the garlic if there is fever present. If no fever, I might up their vit C by buying extra orange juice and oranges.

The reason I worry about strep is because my grandad had a really bad case of scarlet fever as a child and it affected his heart.. he eventually died (in his late 60s or early 70s) as a result of that heart damage. Wrong or right, that's what haunts my thoughts on the matter.

[Tracy]

I took garlic that way last week and it made me throw up! *LOL* (OOPS!) The way I've always given it to my kids is to mash it up into bananas and apple sauce. The textures seem to mask the texture of the garlic and it hides the taste a little.

[Tracy]

The reason I worry about strep is because my grandad had a really bad case of scarlet fever as a child and it affected his heart.. he eventually died (in his late 60s or early 70s) as a result of that heart damage. Wrong or right, that's what haunts my thoughts on the matter.

That's the same reason that I don't mess with strep. Except in my case it was my mother who died at 51 yrs old. I know that those types of cases are relatively rare but it doesn't make it better for me.

[lunita]

The good news is that the rheumatic fever that causes heart damage occurs about 20 days after the initial strep infection, and use of antibiotics virtually eliminates the risk of having those complications. There's not a huge rush to diagnose the strep to avoid the heart damage since it's a delayed thing that happens so much later, so I figure a slower approach (like Kerry suggests) is fine.

[aleutsi]

I took garlic that way last week and it made me throw up! *LOL* (OOPS!) The way I've always given it to my kids is to mash it up into bananas and apple sauce. The textures seem to mask the texture of the garlic and it hides the taste a little.

Mmm! Bananas & applesauce - that's a good idea, I'll have to remember that because my oldest isn't fond of honey much.

Yeah, if it makes ya puke.. don't do it like that, LOL! Sadly, there's only one way to find out. Also, it takes a good mouthfull of honey to wash down some cloves of garlic (they can get BIG), so if it's too much, try a bit less taken more often.

And also, also :eyes: - during times when it seems everyone is sick, I'll make up a jar of minced garlic & honey to keep in the pantry and we just spoon out of it as needed.

[mudcreekmama]

I just blogged about this I wait 48-72 hours before taking the kids in...I'd go in on the early side of that if I was really worried. When we're home I don't treat a fever but I'll treat pain with tylenol or ibupropen. I use garlic and garlic oil at the first signs of things. I use a lot of homeopathics particularly with the Baby and my Boys - they all respond really well to them. I prefer seeing the chiropractor for really bad congestion.

[Kerry]

Another thing I always feel compelled to mention is that treating with garlic *is* treating. Raw garlic is as effective as antibiotics (sometimes more effective) for most infections. I have and do treat known or suspected strep with raw garlic only, and will often eschew pharmaceutical antibiotics.

[kokoro]

I give my kids raw garlic by putting a clove through a garlic press and stuffing the garlic bits into empty gelatin capsules.

That's a really good idea. Thanks!

[kokoro]

Thanks everyone! I think I was more open to taking him in because I'm working now. I had to miss work today. If it is strep it is better for us (me and DH) if we know and get him treated starting now rather than a few days from now, you know? But I have always been under the wait *at least* 3 days. I mean, I think being sick with a fever for 3 days is totally within normal sickness stuff and it hasn't ever worried me. It feels a bit different now that sickness = I miss work. DH is staying home tomorrow so I can go. Hopefully he will be better after that.

[kokoro]

That's the same reason that I don't mess with strep. Except in my case it was my mother who died at 51 yrs old. I know that those types of cases are relatively rare but it doesn't make it better for me.

Wow, I'm so sorry to hear this. (((hugs)))

[deeka]

Turned out it wasn't strep. Or at least the rapid test says negative and it is supposed to be 99% accurate.


Wow, I didn't realize the rapid strep was supposed to be so accurate. My DS2 was very sick last month with a high fever, sore throat, and HUGE swollen glands. I took him into the ped and the nurse *swore* it was strep. But the rapid test was negative. 24 hours later, I got a call saying it had grown out positive and so we started him on antibiotics. Several days later DS1 started running a temp, too. I took him in, convinced it was strep, and again the rapid test was negative, but 24-hour culture was positive. Weird.

[lunita]

We also had that happen -- negative rapid test and positive culture. I'd insist on having both done in the future.

[Rosemary]

Turned out it wasn't strep. Or at least the rapid test says negative and it is supposed to be 99% accurate.

I would not have taken him except the school nurse urged me to do so since it is going around his class. I'm kind of confused as to when it is a good idea to take a child in to be tested for it. Dr. Sear book 'The Baby Book' really gave me the impression that generally children *don't* need to be seen by the ped when they are sick so I have almost never taken D to the doctor other than for well visits. I have a friend who rushes in at the first sign of anything. We are pretty opposites on this. I'd be interested in hearing anyone's thoughts about this subject.

for us, I just play it by ear. We've only dealt with strep for the first time last year so now I am more on alert if that makes sense. I don't agree with Dr. Sears philosophy that kids generally never need to be seen. That is too broad a statement and it overrules common sense IMO. I certianly do not run my kids to the ped for every ailment, never have been, but there are times when I just need some reassurance that what we are dealing with really is just a virus etc. I think you have to just use your gut here.

[Rosemary]

LOL I was thinking the same thing! Didn't want to ask because I thought I missed something. nt

[Brenda]

Another thing I always feel compelled to mention is that treating with garlic *is* treating. Raw garlic is as effective as antibiotics (sometimes more effective) for most infections. I have and do treat known or suspected strep with raw garlic only, and will often eschew pharmaceutical antibiotics.

We treat known and suspected strep with garlic too. Kerry, years ago you saved me when I was deathly ill with step, too sick to drive an hour to the dr to get an Rx or even to take all three kids out to the pharmacy to pick up an Rx. You suggested starting garlic, and by the time Luis got home 6 hours later, I was feeling soooo much better. We have not treated strep with prescription drugs ever since.

If I am having trouble getting the kids to take the garlic, I give them GSE in some soymilk instead, 4x a day. It works so well. I will try the gelatin capsule trick next time, though. That is a good idea!

[MorgnsGrl]

Same experience with my kids. The rapid strep is handy, but it's been about 50% accurate with my kids (and yet the docs seem honestly surprised every time :rolleyes:).

Pretty much the same here. On one occasion, the rapid test was neg for strep but a few days later we found out the culture was positive. On several occasions, both tests were negative. On one occasion, the rapid test was positive so we skipped the culture. Both times he DID have strep, he complained a great deal about his throat hurting. Both times he had strep, he did NOT have a runny/stuffed up nose as well, and he DID have a headache. The times he didn't have strep, he DID have a runny nose (and I think it was post-nasal drip causing the milder sore throat.)

[elizabeth]

We treat known and suspected strep with garlic too. Kerry, years ago you saved me when I was deathly ill with step, too sick to drive an hour to the dr to get an Rx or even to take all three kids out to the pharmacy to pick up an Rx. You suggested starting garlic, and by the time Luis got home 6 hours later, I was feeling soooo much better. We have not treated strep with prescription drugs ever since.

If I am having trouble getting the kids to take the garlic, I give them GSE in some soymilk instead, 4x a day. It works so well. I will try the gelatin capsule trick next time, though. That is a good idea!

I always hear people say it just takes hours for them to feel better, but for me, it takes days to be effective. And I worry about taking it for days because of its blood thinning nature, I already take blood thinners and it makes me nervous to take garlic over several days. Of course, antibiotics take days as well.

[Jill]

We also had that happen -- negative rapid test and positive culture. I'd insist on having both done in the future.

same here. Our doc always does a culture if the rapid test shows up negative.

[Kerry]

I always hear people say it just takes hours for them to feel better, but for me, it takes days to be effective. And I worry about taking it for days because of its blood thinning nature, I already take blood thinners and it makes me nervous to take garlic over several days. Of course, antibiotics take days as well.

My experiences with garlic have generally been about as rapid as Brenda's, too. The ONLY time it didn't help immediately was with influenza, and it took a couple days. But for all other infections (mastitis, strep throat, sinus infection, bronchitis) I've noticed significant improvement within about 8 hours.

Brenda, I'm so glad that garlic has proven to be helpful for you! :)

[kokoro]

We also had that happen -- negative rapid test and positive culture. I'd insist on having both done in the future.

Oh, they did both. Thanks!

[kokoro]

same here. Our doc always does a culture if the rapid test shows up negative.'

at least I think they did both. They took two swabs. They said something about the 24 hour test I can't quite remember yet. I am pretty sure they said the rapid test was neg and it will be 24 hours for the other test but it is 99% accurate.

[kokoro]

for us, I just play it by ear. We've only dealt with strep for the first time last year so now I am more on alert if that makes sense. I don't agree with Dr. Sears philosophy that kids generally never need to be seen. That is too broad a statement and it overrules common sense IMO. I certianly do not run my kids to the ped for every ailment, never have been, but there are times when I just need some reassurance that what we are dealing with really is just a virus etc. I think you have to just use your gut here.

My gut is with him--think you are sick? Stay away from the doctor's office so you don't get *really* sick! lol! ;) Yes, I hear you, though. When I have a concern I'm a lot faster to *call* and speak to the nurse but I don't like bringing DS in there, esp during cold and flu season. If I were ever very concerned we *would* go, of course.

[kokoro]

Right. I'd much rather use my own motherly instincts, than go by what a book says.

Well, my instincts were wrong at least once and probably a few times about DS and strep so I am not all that confident about that. I didn't realize strep could be such a big deal. I'm 99% sure that's what he had (it was a time he had a sore throat, very high fever, stomach ache, vomiting, rash etc, etc and I found out later step had been all around his classroom).

[Kerry]

My understanding is that the rapid strep test is only about 70-90% accurate, which is why they will always culture it, in addition to doing the rapid test. The concern is with false negatives - if the rapid test indicates it's positive, then you can be confident that it's accurate.

[nahkoe]

Testing sure, antibiotics while waiting for the culture to come back, no.

There is a WICKED virus going around right now and it presents differently in different people but the main points are a very high long lasting fever and very swollen lymph glands. Depending on the child/adult it either settles deep in the sinuses, the chest, or the ear. Kids with it in their sinuses and chest often throw up too...its a 2 week bug too - from my doctor's visit last night

Sounds like what's going around here too. I finally have 3 well children, and now Justyn and I have it. I can't be sick for 2 weeks....ugh.

[kokoro]

Thanks. I had always thought it wasn't *that* accurate and was surprised the doc said 99%. My friend's whole family just had strep and she told me today she heard that the person has to have had symptoms for a given length of time (24 or 48 hours?) before the rapid test would be accurate at all. If that's true then I had D tested too soon,

[renee]

J. had strep seven times last year, and not once did the rapid test ever come back positive. I dealt with a very smug doctor who insisted that his throat was barely red and she was absolutely positive that he did not have strep. Each time they called me the next afternoon to tell me the cultured test was positive.

L. had strep twice last year and once this year. Each time hers came back negative and then the cultured came back positive.

I don't think that rapid test works on my kids!

Turned out it wasn't strep. Or at least the rapid test says negative and it is supposed to be 99% accurate.

I would not have taken him except the school nurse urged me to do so since it is going around his class. I'm kind of confused as to when it is a good idea to take a child in to be tested for it. Dr. Sear book 'The Baby Book' really gave me the impression that generally children *don't* need to be seen by the ped when they are sick so I have almost never taken D to the doctor other than for well visits. I have a friend who rushes in at the first sign of anything. We are pretty opposites on this. I'd be interested in hearing anyone's thoughts about this subject.

[Jill]

...L. had strep twice last year and once this year. Each time hers came back negative and then the cultured came back positive.

I don't think that rapid test works on my kids!

That's because her gorgeous hair blinded the test reader I bet!
My GOD woman, that child is beautiful! :)

[Nancy]

Am I the only weirdo whose kids will actually chew a garlic clove, by itself? Both have done that without trouble since at least age 5 or 6. Kate prefers hers (again, a whole clove) disguised on a teeny piece of bread with PB on it, but Hugh chomps it plain.

I don't chop or press or nothing, I just peel and dispense.

[kokoro]

J. had strep seven times last year, and not once did the rapid test ever come back positive. I dealt with a very smug doctor who insisted that his throat was barely red and she was absolutely positive that he did not have strep. Each time they called me the next afternoon to tell me the cultured test was positive.

L. had strep twice last year and once this year. Each time hers came back negative and then the cultured came back positive.

I don't think that rapid test works on my kids!

That's really weird. did they get tested right away after the start of symptoms? Maybe my friend is right and the rapid test isn't accurate for 24 or 48 hours after the start of symptoms or maybe those rapid tests aren't so accurate after all.

My friend's son had it last week and has it again now! And it went away in between!

[aleutsi]

Am I the only weirdo whose kids will actually chew a garlic clove, by itself? Both have done that without trouble since at least age 5 or 6. Kate prefers hers (again, a whole clove) disguised on a teeny piece of bread with PB on it, but Hugh chomps it plain.

I don't chop or press or nothing, I just peel and dispense.

No, my boy is like that. He will even self medicate now. I'll walk into the kitchen and see garlic skins all over the counter and he'll walk by and I'll ask "Feeling sick, J?" and he'll say "No, I just don't feel very good - my throat hurts and I have a slight cough" (he never admits when he's sick - total opposite of The Man Cold).

[renee]

I honestly don't remember, it happened so often with J. I do remember the last few times getting him in within hours of him mentioning his throat hurt, because any time he ever said it, it was always strep.

Funny that he hasn't been sick at all this year (knock on wood!) after getting it so many times last year. I think it was his classroom last year. I am convinced he came down with everything because the kids practically sat on top of each other.

That's really weird. did they get tested right away after the start of symptoms? Maybe my friend is right and the rapid test isn't accurate for 24 or 48 hours after the start of symptoms or maybe those rapid tests aren't so accurate after all.

My friend's son had it last week and has it again now! And it went away in between!

[renee]

Aw thanks. I am so glad that she loves it. I have heard about a lot of redheads who hate their hair as children but grow to love it as they get older. L. really loves her red hair and I hope she always does.

That's because her gorgeous hair blinded the test reader I bet!
My GOD woman, that child is beautiful! :)

[Ali]

I know it's late, and you already had it done, but given what you originally posted, I would have taken my kids in. And we are a skip the dr type family, too. Dalton and I had strep last year, and it just totally wiped both of us out. Dalton was really *sick*. So much so that the first round of abx didn't knock it out of her, we had to go back for more (stronger) ones.

Keep in mind that Q is 7 and has never been on an abx at all. We stay away from that stuff when we can. But, IMO, if used responsibly they fit the bill and that's what they are there for, kwim?

Hope Dante if feeling better today!

[kokoro]

Thanks, Ali. The 2nd strep test that takes longer turned out neg, just BTW. I appreciate hearing that you would have taken your child, too, in the same situation. Really, I wouldn't have thought of going except the nurse told me to go. He is still sick! DH stayed home with him today, thankfully, so I could work. First time ever that I left him when he was sick. That was hard! Nice to have DH step up, though.

[kokoro]

Yeah, I'm sure that has something to do with it, esp the younger grades. Hope he doesn't get it again!

[indigo]

J. had strep seven times last year, and not once did the rapid test ever come back positive. I dealt with a very smug doctor who insisted that his throat was barely red and she was absolutely positive that he did not have strep. Each time they called me the next afternoon to tell me the cultured test was positive.

L. had strep twice last year and once this year. Each time hers came back negative and then the cultured came back positive.

I don't think that rapid test works on my kids!
Has J ever tested negative for strep in the cultured test? I just wonder what the result would be when he's healthy.

[renee]

Not during last school year, but he did once the year before.

Has J ever tested negative for strep in the cultured test? I just wonder what the result would be when he's healthy.

[mirage1]

Dr. Sear book 'The Baby Book' really gave me the impression that generally children *don't* need to be seen by the ped when they are sick so I have almost never taken D to the doctor other than for well visits. I have a friend who rushes in at the first sign of anything. We are pretty opposites on this. I'd be interested in hearing anyone's thoughts about this subject.I don't tend to take Cassie in for being sick, fever, throwing up, unless it's been several days (like more than three days of fevers) ~or~ maybe after just two days if she has strep symptoms and it's going around her class.

I don't think I would even go that soon but her other parent seems to think it's What You Do. He starts getting anxious if we don't get a professional opinion, like he just feels we're not doing the right thing if we don't look into it, so I humor him.

[Sherri]

No, my boy is like that. He will even self medicate now. I'll walk into the kitchen and see garlic skins all over the counter and he'll walk by and I'll ask "Feeling sick, J?" and he'll say "No, I just don't feel very good - my throat hurts and I have a slight cough" (he never admits when he's sick - total opposite of The Man Cold).

Hmm, but is this the same boy who has been known to taste horse poop, or am I confusing you all with someone else?

Sherri

[Sherri]

I tend to take my kids in because I had nephritis (found by blood in my urine during a basic urine test some months after I had strep throat) that wasn't detected early because my father didn't return a uring sample to the doctors and my mother thought it had been done. I didn't end up needing surgery, but it was something I was out of school and pretty much confined to bed for about 6 weeks for, with a gradual return to activity after that. There was actually another girl in my school who had nephritis following strep throat, and she did have kidney surgery.

I actually don't think there's anything wrong with waiting a couple of days if the child isn't severely ill and is staying home, I actually think the follow up is more important. In my case, I didn't have obvious symptoms. I'm also quite sure I took a full course of antibiotics. I may have felt slightly odd or a bit more easily tired, but I certainly seemed to have fully recovered from the strep throat illness.

I probably take my kids in too often, at every illness with sore throat. I may try to tone down a bit, but am allowing myself a certain amount of paranoia with it.

Sherri